Green Daily

According to the New York Times and the president of the American Public Transportation Association (a job which I imagine must be somewhat lonely and frustrating), high gas prices have caused more and more Americans to climb onto busses, trains, and trolleys.

The number of riders has increased somewhat in cities like New York and Boston, where people are used to the concept of taking the T to work or the subway to the bar. But what's more interesting is that bean-counters have also seen an increase in public transport patrons in places like Denver or Dallas, where the car is an intrinsic part of the culture.

Here in Austin, Texas, I haven't noticed any particular increase in fellow bus patrons, but I would definitely be enthused about it. Maybe someday we can even get a light rail built, like they keep threatening. More importantly, maybe "taking the bus" will one day not be seen as a shameful admission that you lack a giant SUV and therefore are not a productive member of society...